Mass campaign to rebuild social security system

Motion A109 called for a mass campaign across and beyond the union to rebuild the social security system, ensure affordable housing, redesign service delivery and pressure the TUC to oppose Starmer’s austerity agenda.

Craig from DWP Cheshire proposed: “Social security is under attack – this government has attempted to strip pensioners of winter fuel payments, slash disability benefits, and maintain the two-child benefit cap. My own family believe welfare budgets are given for people to spend on flat screen TVs and tattoos. We should be at the vanguard of attacking this narrative.

“A scared worker is more likely to take a bad deal from a bad employer – so this is also an industrial matter. Some members have sympathy for the cuts because of propaganda from the far right, we need to arm members to challenge this and defend them from being made scapegoats. Austerity is not the answer and we will not accept it.”

System failing low-income families 

Osman from Ofsted branch seconded: “Austerity cuts hurt and impact the most vulnerable and desperate. The welfare system is failing pensioners, disabled people, low-income families – all of whom are being blamed for the problems they did not create. There’s already been huge public opposition to cuts – ordinary people are rejecting austerity and scapegoating. People who didn’t mobilise are now doing so and we as the union movement need to be at the forefront of that.

“Many members work directly in these systems and see the costs first hand. There is an alternative based on dignity, affordable housing and decent living standards. We need to lead the fight, equip our members and mobilise the whole movement.”

Without any opposition speakers, our president Martin Cavanagh noted that the NEC supported the motion which was promptly carried unanimously.

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